About Refrigerator Maintenance

A refrigerator, like most home appliances, is a big investment. Because of this, and because a broken refrigerator can mean hundreds of dollars in spoiled food, proper maintenance should be a priority. If all you know to do is stock it and clean it out, you should be doing more.

History

According to Frigidaire, the first electric refrigerators were sold in 1913, and two years later, an electrical engineer named Alfred Mellowes built the first self-contained model intended for home consumers. General Motors purchased Guardian Frigerator Company, the company that manufactured this model, in 1918. GM renamed the company Frigidaire. Crisper drawers were added in 1930, and in 1948, the first fridge-freezer combos came on the market. In 1965, icemakers that delivered cubes to the door were introduced.

Types

Refrigerators with freezers on top are the most common and least expensive. These tend to require repairs less frequently than other models. Side-by-side refrigerators are popular, often boasting ice and water in the door, and providing a better view of the contents of both refrigerator and freezer. However, because of the layout, shelves are not as wide in this type of refrigerator. These models are also less energy efficient than others. Models with the freezer on the bottom are similar to freezer-on-top varieties, requiring fewer repairs. However, it might be difficult to access items in the freezer.

Function

Refrigerator condensers work much like the cooling effect of water evaporating from your skin on a hot day. Compressed gas passes through the refrigerator's coils, vaporizing and pulling the heat out of the refrigerator and freezer. If these coils become dusty or grimy, they have to work harder and may not work as efficiently. Use your vacuum or broom to clean the coils every one to three months. Scrub the drip pan at this time as well.

Considerations

Your refrigerator's gasket seals the cold air inside and keeps warm air out. Grease and grime can cause the gasket to lose its ability to seal completely. You can test the seal by closing the door on a dollar bill, with half of the bill sticking out. If the bill slides out easily, consider replacing the gasket. Wiping the gasket at least once a month with a vinegar and water solution will help keep it clean and in good working condition.

Prevention/Solution

If your freezer does not have an automatic defrost built in, be sure to defrost it regularly. You should never let more than a quarter-inch of ice build up on freezer walls. If your freezer is not full, it actually has to work harder to keep food frozen. Place gallon jugs filled with water in empty spots in your freezer. This will also help keep food cold, should your power go out for any length of time.

Resources

• Frigidaire History
• How to Choose a Refrigerator